Durban University of Technology (DUT) officially launched the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework, comprising five core values: transparency, honesty, integrity, respect and accountability. These values are underpinned by the principles of fairness, professionalism, commitment, compassion and excellence. DUT Communications team member, Phiwayinkosi Sibiya recently engaged in a conversation with Chantell Gouws, a Head of Department for the Sport Studies and Senior lecturer, to delve into the living values framework and ENVISION2030.

Q: Kindly tell me about your role at DUT?

A: “I am currently the Head of Department for the Sport Studies and Senior lecturer.”

Q: How long have you been a member of the DUT family?  

A: “I have been at DUT since July 2023.”

Q: Amongst the mentioned ENVISION2030 Living Values and Principles, which one do you mostly associate with and why?  

A: “I resonate with compassion and excellence. It is very important to show compassion towards people.  Life is so busy these days, that we sometimes forget so show compassion.  We don’t know what each individual is going through and by showing compassion, we might be the highlight of their day.  Compassion is deeply rooted in human nature.  Compassion helps us connect with other, for me with my students.  It mends relationships and moves forward while fostering emotional intelligence and well-being. I feel that compassion is a quality, an asset.  If each of my students can do one individual act of compassion, it can have a far-reaching effect.  The definition of excellence means greatness, the very best. Achieving excellence is not easy to do. My goal is for my students to be consistent in good character, attitude, quality and standards. That for me means excellence.”

Q: What are your views on the DUT tagline: Creative, Distinctive, Impactful?

A: “I can really see the link between the DUT tagline and my philosophy of teaching.  I want my students to be able to be creative, think on their feet if needed.  Not everything goes according to the ideal plan, and they must be confident enough to be creative and think of a way forward to be successful.  In everything that we do, we must try to be impactful.  In the sporting world it is not only the athletes that are impactful, but the coaches, educators and managers.  Whichever route my students are going, they must be impactful and leave a legacy.”

Q: How are you planning to keep abreast with the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework? 

A: “By incorporating the latest teaching methods, including the latest technology.  By exposing my student to various working environments.  Exposing them to different sporting events and giving them the opportunity to be part of those sporting events. My students must experience what it is like to be part of something spectacular.”

Q: What is the one thing that most people do not know about you?  

A: “I am actually an introvert person.”

Q: In your opinion, how will the ENVISION2030 Living Values Framework benefit DUT? 

A: “If lecturers include one or two of the living values in their everyday practice and encourage students to practice the living values, I think they can make a difference every day.”

Q: What do you like to do in your spare time? 

A: “Go to the gym and reading the latest murder mysteries.”

Q: How do you plan to make a positive impact at DUT? 

A: “By being a role model for my students.  To expose my students to a wide variety of work experience and community engagement as possible.  I would like my students to experience the sporting world to its fullest.”

Q: What is your daily motivation?  

A: “Never regret a day in your life; good days give happiness, bad days give experience, worst days give lessons and best days give memories.”

Q: What are your future goals at DUT?

A: “I would like to apply for full professorship one day. That the sport studies department become the leading department in the teaching and learning and research.  That we deliver graduates that are confident and employable.”

Q: If you were granted one wish, what would it be?

A: “At the moment it is for my son to pass matric and get University acceptance. I think I will wish good health, strength and prosperity for my kids. I wish for more blessings on them. I would wish them success in all their endeavours.”